Anything which would have the effect of producing satisfaction in France must be of an apologetic character, which there is no ground for, and for which neither the Government nor the country is prepared.
The best course will be a total reserve upon this head, certainly abstaining from anything that can be in the slightest degree offensive.
[Footnote 1: France was not mentioned, though the Convention with the other Powers, and the naval operations in conjunction with Austria, were referred to.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _22nd January 1841._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
Lord Melbourne will be most happy to wait upon your Majesty on Saturday and Sunday.
Lord Melbourne is very sorry that your Majesty is compelled to come to London contrary to your inclinations; but Lord Melbourne much rejoices that your Majesty expresses that reluctance, as there is no surer sign of complete happiness and contentment in the married life than a desire to remain quietly in the country, and there is nothing on the earth Lord Melbourne desires more anxiously than the assurance of your Majesty's happiness.
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S INFANCY] _The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._ BRUSSELS, _22nd January 1841._ MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I thank you very sincerely for your kind letter of the 19th, which I hasten to answer.

I should not have bored you by my presence, but the act of the christening is, in my eyes, a sort of closing of the first cyclus of your dear life.

I was shooting at the late Lord Craven's in Berkshire, when I received the messenger who brought me the horrifying news of your poor father's deadly illness.

I hastened in bitter cold weather to Sidmouth, about two days before his death.

His affairs were so much deranged that your Mother would have had no means even of leaving Sidmouth if I had not taken all this under my care and management.